Suzuki iV-4 compact SUV to be named as Vitara?

Upcoming Suzuki iV-4 made its presence felt at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show as a concept. Now, it has emerged that the car might be unveiled as a production variant at the 2014 Paris Motor Show later this year. The mini SUV was developed with the theme “Grab your Field” and is seen as a sturdy and versatile SUV with rich design features from Suzuki.

The new Suzuki iV-4 mini SUV receives a clam shell shaped bonnet and segmented front grille with a host of on board technology and excellent handling facilities which come together to offer better driving comforts. Promising a lighter weight and among the lowest where auto emissions are concerned, the iV-4 will receive Suzuki next generation Allgrip four wheel drive system though the company is keeping other technical specifications a closely guarded secret. iV-4 will measure 4.21m in length, 1.85m in width and 1.66m in height and once launched will compete against Nissan Juke, Fiat 500X and Peugeot 2008.

Suzuki iV-4 will be positioned between the smaller Suzuki Jimny and larger Suzuki Grand Vitara. Considering this, Suzuki might name the iV-4 production variant as Vitara. Suzuki iV-4 SUV will be produced from the Suzuki plant in Hungary from early 2015 and will be launched outside of Europe for the first time in Australia by the end of 2015.

While Suzuki iV-4 is slated for launch by end 2015, Maruti Suzuki is also planning a crossover smaller than the iV-4 for launch in India. This compact SUV has been codenamed XA-Alpha. It will carry very similar design elements as seen on iV-4. Once launched in India, it will face competition from rivals such as Duster, Terrano and EcoSport besides some compact SUVs from Hyundai, Honda and Mahindra.

A first drive in a manual rickety old van was enough to pave the road forward for Managing Editor, Sagar Patel. When not driving or riding, his dexterity shifts gear to voice passion through words via reviews, and news, all the while, closely monitoring updates from the auto industry.